Touch sensor and display device having the same

ABSTRACT

A touch sensor includes: a plurality of first sensor electrodes, each including first sensor patterns extending in a first direction, and being arranged in a second direction; a plurality of second sensor electrodes, each including second sensor patterns extending in the second direction and being arranged in the first direction; an opening in a touch active region separated from the first and second sensor electrodes; a first connection pattern disposed around but not in the opening, the first pattern electrically connecting first opening sensor patterns of the first sensor patterns that are adjacent to respective portions of the opening in the second direction; first lines respectively connected to portions of the first sensor electrodes, the first lines extending to a periphery of the touch active region; and second lines respectively connected to portions of the second sensor electrodes, the second lines extending to the periphery of the touch active region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2018-0062093, filed on May 30, 2018, which is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Exemplary implementations of the invention relate generally to a displaydevice and, more specifically, to a touch sensor and a display devicehaving the same.

Discussion of the Background

A touch sensor is an information input device, and may be provided andused in a display device. For example, the touch sensor may be attachedto one surface of a display panel or be integrally formed with thedisplay panel. A user may input information by pressing or touching thetouch sensor while viewing an image displayed on a screen of a touchdisplay device.

With the development of recent display technology, an opening throughwhich a functional electronic element may be inserted is formed in adisplay region and a touch region of a display device.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forunderstanding of the background of the inventive concepts, and,therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute priorart.

SUMMARY

Devices constructed according to exemplary implementations of theinvention are optimized to accommodate for openings in touch sensors forelectronic components and are capable of improving touch sensingsensitivity and sensing uniformity of a touch active region of a touchsensor and display including the same in which the touch sensor includessuch an opening.

For example, touch sensors and display devices constructed according tosome exemplary embodiments of the invention may include routing linesdisposed at both ends of the sensor electrodes separated by the opening,so that an increase in the number of lines in the peripheral region canbe minimized or reduced, and sensing sensitivity and sensing uniformityin the touch active region can be improved. In addition, a shieldingelectrode may be additionally inserted between the routing lines tominimize electrical influence between lines in the peripheral region.Thus, touch sensing accuracy can be improved.

Further, touch sensors and display devices constructed according to someexemplary embodiments of the invention may include a connection patternconnecting between the opening in the sensor patterns. Thus, touchsensing can be performed on the entire region in which the sensorelectrodes are disposed without adding any routing line, and adequatedesign space for the peripheral region can be sufficiently ensured.

Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a touch sensorhaving a touch active region and a peripheral region surrounding atleast a portion of the touch active region includes: first sensorelectrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a seconddirection intersecting the first direction; second sensor electrodesextending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction;an opening in the touch active region spaced from the first sensorelectrodes and the second sensor electrodes; a third sensor electrodeextending in the first direction and disposed at a first portion of theopening; a fourth sensor electrode extending in the second direction anddisposed at a second portion of the opening; first lines respectivelyconnected to portions of the first sensor electrodes, the first linesdisposed in a first peripheral area of the peripheral region adjacent tothe first portion of the opening; second lines respectively connected toportions of the second sensor electrodes, the second lines disposed in asecond peripheral area of the peripheral region adjacent to the secondportion of the opening; a third line connected to a portion of the thirdsensor electrode, the third line disposed in the first peripheral area;a fourth line connected to a portion of the fourth sensor electrode, thefourth line disposed in the second peripheral area; and a firstshielding electrode disposed in the second peripheral region, the firstshielding electrode extending between the second lines and the fourthline.

The portions of the first and second sensor electrodes to which thefirst and second lines may be respectively connected include distal endsof the first and second sensor electrodes, respectively.

The at least one of the first lines, the second lines, the third linesand the fourth line may include routing lines.

The first and second portions of the opening may include generallyopposed first and second sides.

The third sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode may beelectrically insulated from each other.

The third sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode may be spacedapart from a wall of the opening.

The first lines and the third line may extend adjacent to each other.

The touch sensor may further include: a second shielding electrodedisposed in the peripheral region extending between the first lines andthe touch active region; and a third shielding electrode disposed in theperipheral region outside of the first lines and the third lines.

The touch sensor may further include: a fourth shielding electrodeextending between the fourth line and the touch active region; and afifth shielding electrode disposed outside of the second lines.

The touch sensor may further include: additional lines respectivelyconnected to other portions of the second sensor electrodes, theadditional lines transferring substantially the same driving signal asthe second lines.

The touch sensor may further including: additional shielding electrodesrespectively disposed between the additional lines and the first linesand between the additional lines and the fourth line.

The at least one sensor electrode of the second sensor electrodes may beelectrically separated into a third part and a fourth parts by theopening, wherein the third part may be disposed at a third portion ofthe opening, and wherein the fourth part may be disposed at a fourthportion of the opening, the fourth portion being generally opposite tothe third portion.

The third part may be not connected to the second line.

The third part and the fourth part may be electrically connected throughat least one connector disposed around but not into the opening.

The connector and the second sensor electrodes may be formed indifferent layers with an insulating layer interposed therebetween,wherein the connector may be connected to the third and fourth parts viaa contact hole formed through the insulating layer, and wherein theconnector may include a low-resistance metal.

The touch sensor may further include: an electrostatic protection linedisposed in the peripheral region in an open loop shape surrounding thefirst, second, third and fourth line along circumference periphery ofthe touch active region.

The third sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode may beelectrically connected to each other through at least one connectordisposed around but not into the opening.

The connector may include a connection pattern spaced apart from theopening.

The connector may include a connection pattern formed in a layerdifferent from that of the third and fourth sensor electrodes with aninsulating layer interposed therebetween, wherein the connection patternmay be connected to the third and fourth sensor electrodes via a contacthole in the insulating layer, and wherein the connection pattern mayinclude a low-resistance metal.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a touch sensorincludes: a plurality of first sensor electrodes, each including firstsensor patterns extending in a first direction, the plurality of firstsensor electrodes being arranged in a second direction intersecting thefirst direction; a plurality of second sensor electrodes, each includingsecond sensor patterns extending in the second direction, the pluralityof second sensor electrodes being arranged in the first direction; anopening in a touch active region separated from the first sensorelectrodes and the second sensor electrodes; a first connection patterndisposed around but not in the opening, the first connection patternelectrically connecting first opening sensor patterns of the firstsensor patterns that are adjacent to respective portions of the openingin the second direction; first routing lines respectively connected toportions of the first sensor electrodes, the first routing linesextending to a periphery of the touch active region; and second routinglines respectively connected to portions of the second sensorelectrodes, the second routing lines extending to the periphery of thetouch active region.

The portions of the first and second sensor electrodes to which thefirst and second routing lines are respectively connected may includedistal ends of the first and second sensor electrodes, respectively.

The each of the first connection pattern and the first opening sensorpatterns may be disposed spaced apart from walls of the opening.

The first connection pattern may be formed in a layer different fromthat of the first opening sensor patterns with an insulating layerinterposed therebetween, wherein the first connection pattern may beconnected to the first opening sensor patterns through a contact holepenetrating the insulating layer.

The first connection pattern may include a low-resistance metal.

The first connection pattern may be formed of the same material on thesame layer as the first opening sensor patterns.

The touch sensor may further include additional routing lines connectedto other portions of the first sensor electrode which includes the firstopening sensor patterns to extend to the periphery of the touch activeregion.

The second sensor patterns may include second opening sensor patternsdisposed adjacent to respective portions of the opening in the firstdirection, and the second opening sensor patterns may be separated fromeach other.

The touch sensor may further include additional routing lines connectedto other portions of the second sensor electrodes to extend to theperiphery of the touch active region.

The touch sensor may further include a second connection patterndisposed detouring the opening, the second connection patternelectrically connecting the second opening sensor patterns.

The second connection pattern may be formed in a layer different fromthat of the second opening sensor patterns of the second sensor patternswith an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and wherein the secondconnection pattern may be connected to the second opening sensorpatterns of the second sensor patterns via a contact hole formed throughthe insulating layer.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a display deviceincludes: a display panel including an opening at a portion of a displayregion; and a touch sensor including a touch active region correspondingto the opening and the display region, the touch sensor being disposedon the display panel, wherein the touch sensor may include: first sensorelectrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a seconddirection; second sensor electrodes extending in the second directionand arranged in the first direction; first routing lines respectivelyconnected to first portions of the first sensor electrodes, the firstrouting lines extending to a first peripheral area adjacent to a firstside of the touch active region; second routing lines respectivelyconnected to second portions of the second sensor electrodes, the secondrouting lines extending to a second peripheral area adjacent to a secondside of the touch active region, the second side being a side oppositeto the first side with respect to the touch active region; additionalrouting lines respectively connected to other portions of the firstsensor electrodes that are separated by the opening, the additionalrouting lines extending to the second peripheral area; and a shieldingelectrode extending to the second peripheral area, the shieldingelectrode being disposed between the second routing lines and theadditional routing lines, wherein the first and second portions of theopening may include generally opposed first and second sides.

The portions of the first and second sensor electrodes to which thefirst and second routing lines are respectively connected may includedistal ends of the first and second sensor electrodes, respectively.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a display deviceincludes: a display panel including an opening at a portion of a displayregion; and a touch sensor including a touch active region correspondingto the opening and the display region, the touch sensor being disposedon the display panel, wherein the touch sensor may include: a pluralityof first sensor electrodes each including first sensor patternsextending in a first direction, the plurality of first sensor electrodesbeing arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; aplurality of second sensor electrodes each including second sensorpatterns extending in the second direction, the plurality of secondsensor electrodes being arranged in the first direction; and aconnection pattern electrically connecting a first opening sensorpattern of the first sensor patterns disposed adjacent to a firstportion of the opening and a second opening sensor pattern of the firstsensor patterns disposed adjacent to a second portion of the opening,the second portion being generally opposite to the first portion and theconnection pattern extending around but not into the opening, whereinthe first portion and the second portion of the opening may includegenerally opposed first and second sides, and wherein the connector mayinclude a connection pattern.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theinventive concepts.

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied indifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplaryembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

In the drawing figures, dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity ofillustration. It will be understood that when an element is referred toas being “between” two elements, it can be the only element between thetwo elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present.Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a display device constructedaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating an example of a touch sensor included inthe display device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a view illustrating an example of an arrangement of lines andpads, which are included in the touch sensor of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating another example of the touch sensorincluded in the display device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a view illustrating an example of an arrangement of lines andpads, which are included in the touch sensor of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a view illustrating another example of the arrangement of thelines and the pads, which are included in the touch sensor of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of a touch sensor constructedaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating an example of a section takenalong a sectional line A-A′ of the touch sensor of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating another example of the sectiontaken along the sectional line A-A′ of the touch sensor of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of an intersection regionbetween two lines of intersecting sensor patterns included in the touchsensor of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 are views illustrating examples of the touchsensor of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are views illustrating examples of a touch sensorconstructed according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating an example of a touch sensor constructedaccording to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view illustrating an example of a section takenalong a sectional line B-B′ of the touch sensor of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating an example of an opening and sensorpatterns around the opening, which are included in a touch sensorconstructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating another example of the opening and thesensor patterns around the opening, which are included in the touchsensor constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating another example of the opening and thesensor patterns around the opening, which are included in the touchsensor constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating another example of the opening and thesensor patterns around the opening, which are included in the touchsensor constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an example of a touch sensor according toanother exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of theinvention. As used herein “embodiments” and “implementations” areinterchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of devices ormethods employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosedherein. It is apparent, however, that various exemplary embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details or with one or moreequivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring various exemplary embodiments. Further, various exemplaryembodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive. Forexample, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of anexemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplaryembodiment without departing from the inventive concepts.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are tobe understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of someways in which the inventive concepts may be implemented in practice.Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components,modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and/or aspects, etc.(hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”), ofthe various embodiments may be otherwise combined, separated,interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventiveconcepts.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings isgenerally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Assuch, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shadingconveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particularmaterials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalitiesbetween illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic,attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further,in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elementsmay be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When anexemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific processorder may be performed differently from the described order. Forexample, two consecutively described processes may be performedsubstantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to thedescribed order. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer orintervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, an elementor layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term“connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection,with or without intervening elements. Further, the D1-axis, the D2-axis,and the D3-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangularcoordinate system, such as the x, y, and z-axes, and may be interpretedin a broader sense. For example, the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and theD3-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent differentdirections that are not perpendicular to one another. For the purposesof this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least oneselected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as Xonly, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z,such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein todescribe various types of elements, these elements should not be limitedby these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element fromanother element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed asecond element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,”“above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), andthe like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, todescribe one elements relationship to another element(s) as illustratedin the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/ormanufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. Forexample, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elementsdescribed as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would thenbe oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplaryterm “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover,the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one ormore other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms“substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms ofapproximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized toaccount for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or providedvalues that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference tosectional and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrationsof idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. Assuch, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should notnecessarily be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapesof regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from,for instance, manufacturing. In this manner, regions illustrated in thedrawings may be schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions maynot reflect actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are notnecessarily intended to be limiting.

As customary in the field, some exemplary embodiments are described andillustrated in the accompanying drawings in terms of functional blocks,units, and/or modules. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthese blocks, units, and/or modules are physically implemented byelectronic (or optical) circuits, such as logic circuits, discretecomponents, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements,wiring connections, and the like, which may be formed usingsemiconductor-based fabrication techniques or other manufacturingtechnologies. In the case of the blocks, units, and/or modules beingimplemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, they may beprogrammed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to performvarious functions discussed herein and may optionally be driven byfirmware and/or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit,and/or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as acombination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and aprocessor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associatedcircuitry) to perform other functions. Also, each block, unit, and/ormodule of some exemplary embodiments may be physically separated intotwo or more interacting and discrete blocks, units, and/or moduleswithout departing from the scope of the inventive concepts. Further, theblocks, units, and/or modules of some exemplary embodiments may bephysically combined into more complex blocks, units, and/or moduleswithout departing from the scope of the inventive concepts.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a display device constructedaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the touch display device 1000 according to theexemplary embodiment of the invention includes a sensor unit 100, atouch driver 200, a display panel 300, and a display driver 400. Thesensor unit 100 and the touch driver 200 constitute a touch sensor.

Meanwhile, although a case where the sensor unit 100 and the displaypanel 300 are separated from each other is illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 1, the invention is not limited thereto. For example,the sensor unit 100 and the display panel 300 may be integrallymanufactured.

In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor unit 100 may be provided on atleast one region of the display panel 300. For example, the sensor unit100 may be provided on at least one surface of the display panel 300 tooverlap with the display panel 300. In an exemplary embodiment, thesensor unit 100 may be directly formed on at least one of both surfacesof the display panel 300, or be formed in the display panel 300. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the sensor unit 100 may be adhered to onesurface of the display panel 300 using an adhesive layer/adhesivemember.

The sensor unit 100 includes a touch active region TA capable of sensinga touch input and a non-active region (or peripheral region) PAsurrounding at least a portion of the touch active region TA. In someexemplary embodiments, the touch active region TA may be disposed tocorrespond to a display region DA of the display panel 300, and thenon-active region PA may be disposed to correspond to a non-displayregion NDA of the display panel 300. An opening OP may be formed at aportion of the touch active region TA and the display region DAcorresponding thereto. A camera, a sensor, a speaker, a receiver, aphysical button, etc. may be disposed in the opening.

In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may include aself-capacitive touch sensor and/or a mutual-capacitive touch sensor.

Sensor electrodes included in the sensor unit 100 may be distributed inthe touch active region TA to detect the position of a touch input whenthe touch input occurs in the touch active region TA.

Routing lines are connected to the respective sensor electrode. Apredetermined driving signal is applied to some sensor electrodesthrough some routing lines. In addition, a change in capacitancegenerated in the sensor electrode is detected through the routing line.

The touch driver 200 may be electrically connected to the sensor unit100 to drive and sense the sensor unit 100. In an example, the touchdriver 200 may detect a touch input by supplying a driving signal to thesensor unit 100 and then receiving a sensing signal corresponding to thedriving signal from the sensor unit 100.

The display panel 300 includes the display region DA and the non-displayregion NDA surrounding at least one region of the display region DA. Thedisplay region DA may be provided with a plurality of scan lines SL, aplurality of data lines DL, and a plurality of pixels PXL connected tothe scan lines SL and the data line DL. The non-display region NDA maybe provided with various types of driving signals for driving the pixelsPXL and/or lines for supplying a driving power source.

According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, the type of thedisplay panel 300 is not particularly limited. For example, the displaypanel 300 may be a self-luminescent display panel such as an organiclight emitting display panel (OLED panel).

Alternatively, the display panel 300 may be a non-luminescent displaypanel such as a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), anelectrophoretic display panel (EDP panel), an electro-wetting displaypanel (EWD panel), and a quantum dot display panel.

The display driver 400 is electrically connected to the display panel300 to supply signals required to drive the display panel 300. In anexample, the display driver 400 may include at least one of a scandriver for supplying a scan signal to the scan lines SL, a data driverfor supplying a data signal to the data lines DL, and a timingcontroller for driving the scan driver and the data driver. In someexemplary embodiments, the scan driver, the data driver, and/or thetiming controller may be integrated in one display IC (D-IC), but theinvention is not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplaryembodiment, at least one of the scan driver, the data driver, and thetiming controller may be integrated or mounted on the display panel 300.

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating an example of the touch sensor includedin the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a view illustrating anexample of an arrangement of lines and pads, which are included in thetouch sensor of FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the touch sensor TS may include firstsensor electrodes IE1, second sensor electrodes IE2, a third sensorelectrode IE3, a fourth sensor electrode IE4, an opening OP, firstrouting lines RL1-1, RL1-2, and RL1-3, second routing lines RL2-1,RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5, third routing lines RL3-1 and RL3-2,fourth routing lines RL4-1 and RL4-2, and a first shielding electrodeG1. The touch sensor TS may further include additional shieldingelectrodes G2, G3, G4, and G5, electrostatic protection lines ES1 andES2, and the like.

The touch sensor TS may include a touch active region TA and aperipheral region surrounding at least a portion of the touch activeregion TA. The opening OP may be formed to vertically penetrate a planeof the touch active region TA. The shape, size, and number of openingsOP are not limited, and may be applied in various forms according toembodiments and purposes. For example, a camera, a sensor, a speaker, areceiver, a physical button, etc. may be disposed in the opening OP.

Each of the first, second, third, and fourth sensor electrodes IE1, IE2,IE3, and IE4 may be formed through a repetitive arrangement of a sensorpattern. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first, third, andfourth sensor electrodes IE1, IE3, and IE4 may have a shape extending ina first direction DR1, and be arranged in a second direction DR2. FIG. 2illustrates that the sensor pattern has a rhombus shape, the shape ofthe sensor pattern is not limited thereto.

In this exemplary embodiment, the third sensor electrode IE3 and thefourth sensor electrode IE4 may be substantially a portion selected fromthe arrangement of the first sensor electrodes IE1, and have thesubstantially same function and shape as the first sensor electrodesIE1. That is, the third sensor electrode IE3 and the fourth sensorelectrode IE4 may mean predetermined first sensor electrodes IE1separated from each other by the opening OP. In this exemplaryembodiment, for convenience of description, first sensor electrodes IE1separated from each other at respective sides of the opening OP aredefined as the third sensor electrode IE3 and the fourth sensorelectrode IE4, respectively. In addition, each of the third and fourthelectrodes IE3 and IE4 may be provided in singular or plural numbersdepending on the size, etc. of the opening OP. However, the third andfourth electrodes IE3 and IE4 correspond one to one.

For example, a portion of the first sensor electrode separated by theopening OP and disposed at a first side of the opening OP may be definedas the third electrode IE3, and a portion of the first sensor electrodeseparated by the opening OP and disposed at a second side of the openingOP, which is opposite to the first side, may be defined as the fourthsensor electrode IE4. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the first sidemay be a right side of the opening OP, and the second side may be a leftside of the opening OP. In addition, a third side of the opening OP maybe an upper side of the opening OP, and a fourth side of the opening OPmay be a lower side of the opening OP.

Each of the first, third, and fourth electrodes IE1, IE3, and IE4 may bearranged in the second direction DR2. The second direction DR2 may be adirection substantially orthogonal to the first direction DR2. Each ofthe first, third, and fourth electrodes IE1, IE3, and IE4 may have ashape in which first sensor patterns SP1 are connected to each other.The first, third, and fourth electrodes IE1, IE3, and IE4 may sense anexternal input (touch, etc.), using a mutual cap method and/or aself-cap method.

The second sensor electrodes IE2 may extend in the second direction DR2,and be arranged in the first direction DR1 while intersecting the firstsensor electrodes IE1. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sensorelectrodes IE2 may include second sensor patterns SP2 and connectionparts having a bridge shape, which connect the second sensor patternsSP2 to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, some of the second sensor electrodes IE2 mayalso be separated from each other by the opening OP.

The first to fourth sensor electrodes IE1, IE2, IE3, and IE4 andconductive patterns connecting the first to fourth sensor electrodesIE1, IE2, IE3, and IE4 are not in contact with a sidewall of the openingOP. That is, an electrode material of the first to fourth sensorelectrodes IE1, IE2, IE3, and IE4 and a conductive layer pattern are notexposed to the sidewall of the opening OP.

The first routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, and RL1-3 may be connected to oneends of the respective first sensor electrodes EL1. The first routinglines RL1-1, RL1-2, and RL1-3 may extend in a first peripheral regionPA1 adjacent to the first side. The extending first routing lines RL1-1,RL1-2, and RL1-3 may be connected to a pad unit PD formed at one side ofthe peripheral region. In an exemplary embodiment, the pad unit PD maybe connected to a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) or the like, whichincludes a touch driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, andRL1-3 may transfer signals changed by a change in capacitance in thetouch active region TA.

The second routing lines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5 may beconnected to one ends of the respective second sensor electrodes EL2.The second routing lines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5 mayextend in a second peripheral region PA2 adjacent to the second side.The extending second routing lines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5may be connected to the pad unit PD. In an exemplary embodiment, thesecond routing lines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5 maycontinuously transfer a predetermined driving signal to the secondsensor electrodes IE2. However, this is merely illustrative, andfunctions of the first and second routing lines are not limited thereto.

The third routing lines RL3-1 and RL3-2 may be connected to one ends ofthe respective third sensor electrodes IE3, and extend in the firstperipheral region PA1. That is, the third routing lines RL3-1 and RL3-2may be substantially some of the first routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, andRL1-3. In other words, the first routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, and RL1-3and the third routing lines RL3-1 and RL3-2 may be disposed to be spacedapart from each other according to positions of the first and thirdsensor electrodes IE1 and IE3 arranged in the second direction DR2.

The fourth routing lines RL4-1 and RL4-2 may be connected to one ends ofthe respective sensor electrodes EL4, and extend in the secondperipheral region PA2. The extending fourth routing lines RL4-1 andRL4-2 may be connected to the pad unit PD. The fourth routing linesRL4-1 and RL4-2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the secondrouting lines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5.

Routing lines (i.e., the fourth routing lines RL4-1 and RL4-2) may beconnected to only the fourth electrodes IE4 at the other ends of thefirst sensor electrodes IE1. According to the exemplary embodiment, thesecond sensor electrode IE2 separated by the opening OP in the seconddirection DR2 may be electrically connected to each other by at leastone connection pattern disposed detouring (or around but not into) theopening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, the third and fourth sensor electrodes IE3and IE4 may be electrically insulated from each other. The fourthrouting lines RL4-1 and RL4-2 are required to sense a touch in a regionin which the fourth sensor electrode IE4 is disposed. A sensing signalsensed by the third sensor electrode IE3 may be transferred through thethird routing lines RL3-1 and RL3-2, and a sensing signal sensed by thefourth sensor electrode IE4 may be transferred through the fourthrouting lines RL4-1 and RL4-2.

In another exemplary embodiment, the third sensor electrode IE3 and thefourth sensor electrode IE4 may be electrically connected to each otherby a predetermined connection pattern disposed detouring the opening OP.Accordingly, touch sensitivity and sensing uniformity in the firstdirection DR1, which corresponds to the opening OP, may be degraded dueto a voltage drop and an increase in RC delay, which are caused by theconnection pattern. The third routing line RL3-1 and RL3-2 and thefourth routing lines RL4-1 and RL4-2 are respectively connected to thethird and fourth sensor electrodes IE3 and IE4, so that the RC delay canbe reduced, and the sensing sensitivity and sensing uniformity can beimproved.

The first shielding electrode G1 may extend in the second peripheralregion PA2, and be disposed between the second routing lines RL2-1,RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5 and the fourth routing lines RL4-1 andRL4-2. The first shielding electrode G1 may block electrical influencesuch as interference or coupling between the second routing lines RL2-1,RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5 and the fourth routing lines RL4-1 andRL4-2. The first shielding electrode G1 may be a floating electrode orground electrode. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the firstshielding electrode G1 in the second direction DR2 in the secondperipheral region PA2 may be shorter than those of the second routinglines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5 and be longer than those ofthe fourth routing lines RL4-1 and RL4-2.

In an exemplary embodiment, second to fifth shielding electrodes G2, G3,G4, and G5 may be further disposed in the peripheral region. Each of thesecond to fifth shielding electrodes G2, G3, G4, and G5 may also be afloating electrode or ground electrode.

The second shielding electrode G2 may be disposed at the inside of thefirst routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, and RL1-3. The second shieldingelectrode G2 may block electrical influence between the first routinglines RL1-1, RL1-2, and RL1-3 and sensor electrodes disposed adjacentthereto.

The third shielding electrode G3 may be disposed at the outside of thefirst routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, and RL1-3 and the third routing linesRL3-1 and RL3-2. The third shielding electrode G3 may block electricalinfluence between the first routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, and RL1-3 andother signal lines disposed at the outside thereof.

The fourth shielding electrode G4 may be disposed at the inside of thefourth routing lines RL4-1 and RL4-2. The fourth shielding electrode G4may block electrical influence between the fourth routing lines RL4-1and RL4-2 and sensor electrodes disposed adjacent thereto.

The fifth shielding electrode G5 may be disposed at the outside of thesecond routing lines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5. The fifthshielding electrode G5 may block electrical influence between the secondrouting lines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5 and other signallines disposed at the outside thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first electrostatic protection line ES1disposed in an open loop shape to surround the first to fourth routinglines RL1-1, RL1-2, RL1-3, RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, RL2-5, RL3-1,RL3-2, RL4-1, and RL4-2 along the circumference of the touch activeregion TA may be further included in the peripheral region. The firstelectrostatic protection line ES1 may be a ground line. The firstelectrostatic protection line ES1 may be formed to surround theoutermost edge of the first to fourth routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, RL1-3,RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, RL2-5, RL3-1, RL3-2, RL4-1, and RL4-2 andthe shielding electrodes G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5. The first electrostaticprotection line ES1 may protect the sensor electrodes EL1, EL2, EL3, andEL4 and the first to fourth routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, RL1-3, RL2-1,RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, RL2-5, RL3-1, RL3-2, RL4-1, and RL4-2 from staticelectricity introduced from the outside.

In an exemplary embodiment, a second electrostatic protection line ES2disposed in an open loop shape between the second shielding electrode G2and the fourth shielding electrode G4 may be further included in theperipheral region. The second electrostatic protection line ES2 mayprotect the sensor electrodes EL1, EL2, EL3, and EL4 and the first tofourth routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, RL1-3, RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4,RL2-5, RL3-1, RL3-2, RL4-1, and RL4-2 from static electricity introducedfrom the outside.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the routing lines and the shielding electrodes mayextend substantially identically to the pad unit PD in the positionrelationship between the routing lines and the shielding electrodes.

The pad unit PD may be divided into a first pad unit PD1 and a secondpad unit PD2, and different FPCs for touch driving may be attached (orconnected) to the respective pad units PD1 and PD2. For example, the FPCfor touch driving may be attached in an FOG form to the peripheralregion. However, this is merely illustrative, and the pad units PD1 andPD2 may constitute a single pad unit such that one FPC for touch drivingmay be attached to the pad units PD1 and PD2.

The first pad unit PD1 may sequentially include, in the first directionDR1, a pad EP1 connected to the first electrostatic protection line ES1,a pad GP5 connected to the fifth shielding electrode G5, pads RP2-1,RP2-2, RP2-3, RP2-4, and RP2-5 respectively connected to the secondrouting electrodes RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5, a pad GP1connected to the first shielding electrode G1, pads RP4-1 and RP4-2respectively connected to the fourth routing lines RL4-1 and RL4-2, apad GP4 connected to the fourth shielding electrode G4, and a pad EP3connected to the second electrostatic protection line ES2.

The second pad unit PD2 may sequentially include, in the first directionDR1, a pad EP4 connected to the second electrostatic protection lineES2, a pad GP2 connected to the second shielding electrode G2, padsRP1-1, RP1-2, RP1-3, RP3-1, and RP3-2 respectively connected to thefirst and third routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, RL1-3, RL3-1, and RL3-2, apad GP3 connected to the third shielding electrode G3, and a pad EP2connected to the first electrostatic protection line ES1.

As described above, in the touch sensor TS including the opening OPaccording to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the routinglines (i.e., the third and fourth routing lines RL3-1, RL3-2, RL4-1, andRL4-2) are respectively disposed at both ends of the sensor electrodes(i.e., the third and fourth sensor electrodes EL3 and EL4) separatedcorresponding to the opening OP, so that an increase in the number oflines in the peripheral region can be minimized, and sensing sensitivityand sensing uniformity in the touch active region TA can be improved.Further, the first shielding electrode G1 is additionally insertedbetween the second routing lines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5and the additionally disposed fourth routing lines RL4-1 and RL4-2, sothat electrical influence between lines in the peripheral region can bereduced. Thus, touch sensing accuracy can be improved.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating another example of the touch sensorincluded in the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is a view illustratingan example of an arrangement of lines and pads, which are included inthe touch sensor of FIG. 3. FIG. 4B is a view illustrating anotherexample of the arrangement of the lines and the pads, which are includedin the touch sensor of FIG. 3.

The touch sensor according to this exemplary embodiment is identical tothe touch sensor according to FIGS. 2A and 2B, except a configuration ofadditional routing lines connected to second sensor electrodes.Therefore, components identical or corresponding to those of the touchsensor according to FIGS. 2A and 2B are designated by like referencenumerals, and their overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the touch sensor 101 may include firstsensor electrodes IE1, second sensor electrodes IE2, a third sensorelectrode IE3, a fourth sensor electrode IE4, an opening OP, firstrouting lines RL1-1, RL1-2, and RL1-3, second routing lines RL2-1,RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5, third routing lines RL3-1 and RL3-2,fourth routing lines RL4-1 and RL4-2, additional routing lines RL2′-1,RL2′-2, RL2′-3, RL2′-4, and RL2′-5, and a first shielding electrode G1.The touch sensor 101 may further include additional shielding electrodesG2, G3, G4, G5, and G6, electrostatic protection lines ES1 and ES2, andthe like.

The additional routing lines RL2′-1, RL2′-2, RL2′-3, RL2′-4, and RL2′-5may be connected to the other ends of the respective second sensorelectrodes EL2. The additional routing lines RL2′-1, RL2′-2, RL2′-3,RL2′-4, and RL2′-5 may transfer the substantially same driving signal asthe second routing lines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5. That is,a double routing line structure may be applied to the second sensorelectrodes EL2. Thus, a resistance value of the second sensor electrodesEL2 in the second direction DR2 is decreased, and a time constant isdecreased. Accordingly, the RC delay of the driving signal can beimproved. The number of pads may increase by an arrangement of theadditional routing lines RL2′-1, RL2′-2, RL2′-3, RL2′-4, and RL2′-5.

Like the third and fourth sensor electrodes EL3 and EL4, at least onesensor electrode of the second sensor electrodes EL2 corresponding tothe opening OP may be separated into a third side part located at athird side of the opening OP and a fourth side part located at a fourthside of the opening OP. The third side may correspond to a directionfacing one end of each of the sensor electrodes EL2, and be an upperside of the opening OP referring to FIG. 3. The fourth side maycorrespond to a direction facing the other end of each of the secondsensor electrode EL2, and be a lower side of the opening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, the third side part and the fourth side partmay be electrically separated from each other. The second routing linesRL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, and RL2-5 connected to the third side partand the additional routing lines RL2′-1, RL2′-2, RL2′-3, RL2′-4, andRL2′-5 connected to the fourth side part are not connected to eachother.

In another exemplary embodiment, the third side part and the fourth sidepart may be electrically connected to each other through at least oneconnection pattern disposed detouring the opening OP.

First to fifth shielding electrodes G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5 andelectrostatic protection lines ES1 and ES2, which are described withreference to FIG. 2A, may be formed in the peripheral region. The fourthshielding electrode G4 may be disposed between the fourth routing linesRL4-1 and RL4-2 and the additional routing lines RL2′-1, RL2′-2, RL2′-3,RL2′-4, and RL2′-5.

In an exemplary embodiment, a sixth shielding electrode G6 may bedisposed between the additional routing lines RL2′-1, RL2′-2, RL2′-3,RL2′-4, and RL2′-5 and a second electrostatic protection line ES2.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the routing lines and the shieldingelectrodes may extend substantially identically to the pad unit PD inthe position relationship between the routing lines and the shieldingelectrodes.

As compared with the pad unit of FIG. 2A, a first pad unit PD1 of FIG.4A may further include pads disposed between the pad GP4 and the pad EP3connected to the second electrostatic protection line ES2. The pads mayinclude pads RP2′-1, RP2′-2, RP2′-3, RP2′-4, and RP2′-5 respectivelyconnected to the additional routing lines RL2′-1, RL2′-2, RL2′-3,RL2′-4, and RL2′-5 and a pad connected to the sixth shielding electrodeG6.

The first pad unit PD1 may be connected to an FPC for touch driving,which drives the second routing lines RL2-1, RL2-2, RL2-3, RL2-4, andRL2-5, the fourth routing lines RL4-1 and RL4-2, and the additionalrouting lines RL2′-1, RL2′-2, RL2′-3, RL2′-4, and RL2′-5. A second padunit PD2 of FIG. 4A may be connected to an FPC for touch driving, whichdrives the first routing lines RL1-1, RL1-2, and RL1-3 and the thirdrouting lines RL3-1 and RL3-2.

A pad unit PD3 of FIG. 4B may means that all the pads are connected toone FPC for touch driving.

As described above, the touch sensor 101 further includes the additionalrouting lines RL2′-1, RL2′-2, RL2′-3, RL2′-4, and RL2′-5 connected tothe other ends of the respective second sensor electrodes EL2, so thattouch sensing sensitivity can be improved.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of a touch sensor construedaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, first sensor electrodes IE1, secondelectrodes IE2, an opening OP, and connection patterns CP1 and CP2 maybe disposed in a touch active region TA of the touch sensor.

Each of the first sensor electrodes IE1 may include first sensorpatterns SP1 extending in the first direction DR1. The first sensorelectrodes IE1 may be arranged in the second direction DR2 intersectingthe first direction DR1. Some of the first sensor electrodes IE1 may belaterally separated from each other by the opening OP.

Each of the second sensor electrodes IE2 may include second sensorpatterns SP2 extending in the second direction DR2. The second sensorelectrodes IE2 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 intersectingthe second direction DR2. Some of the second sensor electrodes IE2 maybe vertically separated from each other by the opening OP.

The opening OP may be formed while vertically penetrating the touchactive region TA formed by the first sensor electrodes IE1 and thesecond sensor electrode IE2.

In a sensor electrode corresponding to the opening OP among the firstsensor electrodes IE1, opening sensor patterns OSP1 and OSP1′ disposedadjacent to respective sides of the opening OP in the second directionDR2 may have a shape in which a portion of the first sensor pattern SP1is cut by the opening OP. For example, the opening sensor patterns OSP1and OSP1′ may be respectively formed at left and right sides of theopening OP. Each of the opening sensor patterns OSP1 and OSP1′ may beformed to be spaced apart from a sidewall of the opening OP.

The opening sensor patterns OSP1 and OSP1′ corresponding to each other,which are included in one first sensor electrode IE1, may be defined asa first opening sensor pattern pair OSP1 and OPS1′. The first openingsensor pattern pair OSP1 and OPS1′ may be electrically connected by afirst connection pattern CP1. The first connection pattern CP1 may beformed detouring the opening OP. Accordingly, a first sensor electrodeIE1 corresponding to the opening OP is continued as one node from oneend to the other end thereof.

Similarly, a second opening sensor pattern pair OSP2 and OSP2′ includedin another first sensor electrode IE1 may be electrically connected by asecond connection pattern CP2 formed detouring the opening OP. However,this is merely illustrative, and the shape, size, and number of openingsensor pattern pairs are not limited thereto.

Although a case where each of the opening sensor patterns OSP1, OSP1′,OSP2, and OSP2′ has a shape in which the first sensor pattern SP1 is cutin a triangular shape is illustrated in FIG. 5, the shape of the openingsensor patterns OSP1, OSP1′, OSP2, and OSP2′ is not limited thereto. Theshape of each of the opening sensor patterns OSP1, OSP1′, OSP2, andOSP2′ may be modified corresponding to the position and shape of theopening OP.

A first sensor electrode IE1 corresponding to the opening OP may becontinued as one electrode from one end to the other end thereof.Therefore, referring to FIG. 5, first routing lines RL1-1 and RL1-2 maybe connected to only one ends of the respective first sensor electrodesIE1 to extend to a peripheral region of the touch active region TA.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second connection patterns CP1and CP2 may be disposed detouring an upper or lower side of the openingOP adjacent thereto. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the firstconnection pattern CP1 may detour the upper side of the opening OP, andthe second connection pattern CP2 may detour the lower side of theopening OP.

The first and second connection patterns CP1 and CP2 are not to beconceived by a user. Therefore, the first and second connection patternsCP1 and CP2 may have a width thin enough not to be recognized by theuser during a regular operation. Also, the first and second connectionpatterns CP1 and CP2 may be formed of a low-resistance metal so as toprevent an increase in resistance and an increase in RC delay, caused bythe connection patterns. For example, the first and second connectionpatterns CP1 and CP2 may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper,aluminum, and alloys thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second sensor patterns SP2 forming thesecond sensor electrode IE2 may also include opening sensor patternshaving a shape in which a portion of the second sensor patterns SP2disposed adjacent to the opening sensor patterns cut corresponding tothe opening sensor pattern. The opening sensor patterns of the secondsensor electrode IE2 may be electrically insulated from each other. Inan exemplary embodiment, a double routing structure may be applied tothe second sensor electrode IE2. Therefore, second routing lines RL2-1and RL2-2 may be respectively connected to one ends of the second sensorelectrodes IE2, and additional routing lines RL2′-1 and RL2′-2 may berespectively connected to the respective ends of the second sensorelectrodes IE2.

As described above, the touch sensor having the opening OP and thedisplay device having the same according to the exemplary embodiment ofthe invention include the connection pattern CP1 connecting between theopening sensor patterns OSP1 and OSP1′. Thus, touch sensing can beperformed on the entire region in which the sensor electrodes IE1 andIE2 are disposed without adding any routing line, and a design space ofthe peripheral region can be ensured.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating an example of a section takenalong a sectional line A-A′ of the touch sensor of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the touch sensor TS may include a firstconductive layer 22 constituting the connection pattern CP1 in the touchactive region TA, a second conductive layer 26 constituting the firstsensor electrodes IE1 and the second sensor electrodes IE2 in the touchactive region TA, and a plurality of insulating layers 24 and 28.

In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor TS may be directly disposedon a display panel DP.

The display panel DP may include a base layer 10, an encapsulation layer16, and a circuit element layer 12 and a display element layer 14, whichare disposed between the base layer 10 and the encapsulation layer 16.The circuit element layer 12, the display element layer 14, and theencapsulation layer 16 are not formed in the opening OP. In an exemplaryembodiment, the circuit element layer 12 and the display element layer14 may be disposed to be spaced apart from a sidewall SW of the openingOP at a predetermined distance.

The base layer 10 may include a synthetic resin film. The base layer 10may also include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, anorganic/inorganic complex material substrate, etc.

The circuit element layer 12 may include a transistor structure forlight emission of the display element layer 14. The display elementlayer 14 may include a light emitting layer such as an organic emittinglayer and a plurality of electrode layers for supplying a voltage orcurrent to the emitting layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the encapsulation layer 16 may have a formin which an organic layer and an inorganic layer are alternatelydeposited multiple times. The encapsulation layer 16 may haveflexibility. In an exemplary embodiment, the encapsulation layer 16 maybe an encapsulation substrate provided in the form of a glass substrate.

The touch sensor TS may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 16. Thetouch sensor TS may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer 16,or be adhered to the encapsulation layer 16 with an adhesive memberinterposed therebetween.

The touch sensor TS may include the first conductive layer 22, a firstinsulating layer 24, the second conductive layer 26, and a secondinsulating layer 28. The first conductive layer 22 and the secondconductive layer 26 may have a single-layered structure and amulti-layered structure.

The first conductive layer 22 and the second conductive layer 26 mayinclude a plurality of patterns.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first conductive layer 22 may bedisposed on the encapsulation layer 16, and include the connectionpattern CP1. The first conductive layer 22 may include a low-resistancemetal, and be an opaque electrode. For example, the first conductivelayer 22 may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, andalloys thereof. The first conductive layer 22 including the connectionpattern CP1 may be disposed or patterned to be spaced apart from thesidewall SW of the opening OP. The connection pattern CP1 may bedisposed detouring the opening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first conductive layer 22 may include aconnection part having a bridge shape, which connects the second sensorpatterns SP2.

The first insulating layer 24 covering the first conductive layer 22 maybe disposed on the encapsulation layer 16. The first insulating layer 24may include an inorganic material, an organic material, and a compositematerial.

The second conductive layer 26 may be disposed on the first insulatinglayer 24. The second conductive layer 26 may form the first and secondsensor patterns SP1 and SP2 including the opening sensor patterns OSP1and OSP1′ and the first and second sensor electrodes IE1 and IE2. Thesecond conductive layer 26 may include a transparent conductivematerial. For example, the second conductive layer 26 may include atransparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zincoxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). Inaddition, the transparent conductive layer may include conductivepolymer such as PEDOT, metal nano wire, graphene, etc. In an exemplaryembodiment, each of the sensor patterns SP1, SP2, OSP1, and OSP1′ formedby the second conductive layer 26 may have a mesh shape so as to preventthe sensor pattern from being viewed by a user. The second conductivelayer 26 may be disposed or patterned to be spaced apart from thesidewall SW of the opening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second conductive layer 26 may beconnected to the first conductive layer 22 through a contact hole CNTpenetrating the first insulating layer 24. For example, the connectionpattern CP1 may be connected to each of the opening sensor patterns OSP1and OSP2 through the contact hole CNT.

The second insulating layer 28 covering the second conductive layer 26may be disposed on the first insulating layer 24. The second insulatinglayer 28 may include an inorganic material, an organic material, and acomposite material.

In an exemplary embodiment, functional layers such as an anti-reflectionlayer, an anti-fingerprint layer, a hard coating layer, and a protectivefilm may further disposed on the touch sensor TS.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating another example of the sectiontaken along the sectional line A-A′ of the touch sensor of FIG. 5.

A stack structure of FIG. 7 is substantially identical to the structureof the touch sensor of FIG. 6, except positions of the connectionpattern CP1 and the sensor electrode including the opening sensorpatterns OSP1 and OSP1′. Therefore, components identical orcorresponding to those of the touch sensor of FIG. 6 are designated bylike reference numerals, and their overlapping descriptions will beomitted.

Referring to FIG. 7, the touch sensor TS may include a first conductivelayer 23 constituting the first sensor electrodes IE1 and the secondsensor electrodes IE2 in the touch active region TA, a second conductivelayer 27 constituting the connection pattern CP1 in the touch activeregion TA, and a plurality of insulating layers 24 and 28.

The first conductive layer 23 may form the sensor patterns SP1 and SP2including the opening sensor patterns OSP1 and OSP1′. The firstconductive layer 23 may include a transparent conductive material. Thefirst conductive layer 23 may be formed or patterned to be spaced apartfrom the sidewall SW of the opening OP.

A first insulating layer 24 covering the first conductive layer 23 maybe disposed on the encapsulation layer 16. The first insulating layer 24may include may include an inorganic material, an organic material, anda composite material.

The second conductive layer 27 may be disposed on the first insulatinglayer 24. The second conductive layer 27 may include the connectionpattern CP1. The second conductive layer 27 may include a low-resistancemetal, and be an opaque electrode. The second conductive layer 27 may beformed or patterned to be spaced apart from the sidewall SW of theopening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second conductive layer 27 may beconnected to the first conductive layer 23 through a contact hole CNTpenetrating the first insulating layer 24. For example, the connectionpattern CP1 may be connected to each of the opening sensor patterns OSP1and OSP2 through the contact hole CNT.

A second insulating layer 28 covering the second conductive layer 27 maybe disposed on the first insulating layer 24. The second insulatinglayer 28 include may include an inorganic material, an organic material,and a composite material.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of an intersection region EEbetween two lines of intersecting sensor patterns included in the touchsensor of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 8, the touch sensor TS may include first sensorpatterns SP1, second sensor patterns SP2, a connection part C1, and aplurality of bridges C2-1 and C2-2 in one intersection region EE.

The first sensor patterns SP1 and the connection part C1 may beconnected to each other on one plane or the same layer.

The second sensor patterns SP2 may be disposed to be spaced apart fromeach other. The second sensor patterns SP2 may be connected to eachother by the bridges C2-1 and C2-2. The bridges C2-1 and C2-2 mayconnect the second sensor patterns SP2 adjacent to each other in abridge shape through a contact hole CNT-1. In an exemplary embodiment,the bridges C2-1 and C2-2 may be formed of the same material through thesame process as the connection patterns CP1 and CP2, and be disposed onthe same layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second sensor patterns SP1 andSP2 may include a transparent conductive material.

The touch sensor TS may sense a touch by detecting a change incapacitance between the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensorpattern SP2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor TS may further includedummy electrodes DM disposed between the sensor patterns SP1 and SP2 tobe spaced apart from each other. The dummy electrode DM is formedthrough the same process as the first sensor pattern SP1 and the secondsensor pattern SP2. Therefore, the dummy electrode DM may include thesame material and have the same stack structure. The dummy electrode DMis a floating electrode, and is not electrically connected to the firstsensor electrode SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2. The dummyelectrode DM is disposed, so that a boundary region between the firstsensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2 would not be easilyrecognizable. Further, a fringe effect between the first sensor patternSP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2 can be controlled by adjusting thewidth and thickness of the dummy electrode DM, and the capacitancebetween the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2can be optimized.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 are views illustrating examples of the touchsensor of FIG. 5.

Touch sensors of FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 are substantially identical orsimilar to the touch sensor of FIG. 5, except structures of theconnection pattern and/or arrangements of the routing lines. Therefore,components identical or corresponding to those of the touch sensor ofFIG. 5 are designated by like reference numerals, and their overlappingdescriptions will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12, first sensor electrodes IE1,second sensor electrodes IE2, an opening OP, and connection patterns CP1and CP2 may be disposed in a touch active region TA of each of the touchsensors.

A first opening sensor pattern pair OSP1 and OSP1′ disposed adjacent tothe opening OP may be electrically connected by a first connectionpattern CP1, and a second opening sensor pattern pair OSP2 and OSP2′ maybe electrically connected by a second connection pattern CP2.

First routing lines RL1-1 and RL1-2 may be respectively connected to oneends of first sensor electrodes IE1 corresponding to the opening OP. Inan exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 9, additional routing linesRL1′-1 and RL1′-2 may be respectively connected to the other ends of thefirst sensor electrodes IE1. The additional routing lines RL1′-1 andRL1′-2 may be substantially identical to the fourth routing lines RL4-1and RL4-2 of FIG. 3. That is, a doubling routing structure may beapplied to the first sensor electrodes IE1 corresponding to the openingOP. The additional routing lines RL1′-1 and RL1′-2 along with the firstrouting lines RL1-1 and RL1-2 may transfer a sensing signal to the touchdriver.

Thus, an RC delay can be reduced due to the addition of the additionalrouting lines RL1′-1 and RL1′-2, and a signal transfer timing variationfor each touch point between the left and right sides of the opening OPcan be decreased. Accordingly, the sensing accuracy and uniformity inthe entire touch active region TA can be improved.

In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 10, the touch sensor mayinclude a plurality of first sensor electrodes EL corresponding to theopening OP. The first and second connection patterns CP1 and CP2connecting the respective opening sensor pattern pairs OSP1, OSP1′,OSP2, and OSP2′ may be disposed detouring the opening OP to the same oneside of the opening OP. The first connection pattern CP1 and the secondconnection pattern CP2 may be electrically isolated from each other.That is, the first and second connection patterns CP1 and CP2 disclosedin FIG. 10 may be designed without any short circuit with otherconductive patterns according to the position of the opening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 11, the first openingsensor pattern pair OSP1 and OSP1′ may be connected through a pluralityof first connection patterns CP1 and CP1′. Similarly, the second openingsensor pattern pair OSP2 and OSP2′ may be connected through a pluralityof second connection patterns CP2 and CP2′. That is, a plurality ofconnection patterns are connected to the respective opening sensorpattern pairs, so that the total resistance and RC delay can bedecreased.

Referring to FIG. 12, an exemplary embodiment illustrates that a routingline may not be connected to one end of each of second sensor electrodesIE2 corresponding to the upper side of the opening OP. That is, thesecond sensor electrode IE2 corresponding to the upper side of theopening OP may be floated, and a region corresponding to the upper sideof the opening OP may be a touch non-active region NTA. Touch sensing isnot performed in the touch non-active region NTA. This exemplaryembodiment may be applied when the touch non-active region NTA at theupper side of the opening OP is not large. The second sensor patternsSP2 may not be patterned (disposed) in the touch non-active region NTAat the upper side of the opening OP. Accordingly, material consumptionfor patterning the routing lines and the sensor patterns can be reduced.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are views illustrating examples of a touch sensorconstrued according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Touch sensors of FIGS. 13A and 13B are substantially identical orsimilar to the touch sensor of FIG. 5, except arrangements of theconnection patterns. Therefore, components identical or corresponding tothose of the touch sensor of FIG. 5 are designated by like referencenumerals, and their overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a third opening sensor pattern pair OSP3and OSP3′ disposed adjacent to an opening OP may be electricallyconnected by a third connection pattern CP3, and a fourth opening sensorpattern pair OSP4 and OSP4′ disposed adjacent to the opening OP may beelectrically connected by a fourth connection pattern CP4.

The opening sensor patterns OSP3 and OSP3′ corresponding to each other,which are included in one second sensor electrode IE2, may be defined asa third opening sensor pattern pair OSP3 and OSP3′.

For example, the third opening sensor pattern pair OSP3 and OSP3′ and afourth opening sensor pattern pair OSP4 and OSP4′ may be respectivelysome of second sensor patterns SP2 included in the second sensorelectrodes IE2. Also, the third opening sensor pattern pair OSP3 andOSP3′ and a fourth opening sensor pattern pair OSP4 and OSP4′ maycorrespond to upper and lower sides of the opening OP, respectively.

Although a case where each of the opening sensor patterns OSP3, OSP3′,OSP4, and OSP4′ has a shape in which the second sensor pattern SP2 iscut in a triangular shape is illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the shapeof the opening sensor patterns OSP3, OSP3′, OSP4, and OSP4′ is notlimited thereto. The shape of each of the opening sensor patterns OSP3,OSP3′, OSP4, and OSP4′ may be modified corresponding to the position andshape of the opening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, the third opening sensor pattern pair OSP3and OSP3′ may be connected by the third connection pattern CP3, and thefourth opening sensor pattern pair OSP4 and OSP4′ may be connected bythe fourth connection pattern CP4. The third connection pattern CP3 andthe fourth connection pattern CP4 may be formed of a low-resistancemetal.

The third opening sensor pattern pair OSP3 and OSP3′, the fourth openingsensor pattern pair OSP4 and OSP4′, the third connection pattern CP3,and the fourth connection pattern CP4 may be formed in the same manneras that described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

The second sensor electrode IE2 may be connected in a double routingstructure to the touch driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, opening sensor pattern pairs respectivelyincluded in first sensor electrodes IE1 corresponding to the opening OPmay be electrically insulated from each other. Routing lines RL1-1,RL1-2, RL1′-1, and RL1′-2 may be connected to both ends of therespective first electrodes IE1 corresponding to the opening OP so as toperform touch sensing operation at the left and right sides of theopening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 13B, a third openingsensor pattern pair OSP3 and OSP3′ may be connected through a pluralityof third connection patterns CP3. Similarly, a fourth opening sensorpattern pair OSP4 and OSP4′ may be connected through a plurality offourth connection patterns CP4. That is, a plurality of connectionpatterns are connected to the opening sensor pattern pairs, so that thetotal resistance and RC delay can be decreased.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating an example of a touch sensor construedaccording to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 15is a sectional view illustrating an example of a section taken along asectional line B-B′ of the touch sensor of FIG. 14.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a first opening sensor pattern pair OSP1and OSP1′ disposed adjacent to an opening OP at the left and right sidesof the opening OP may be electrically connected by a first connectionpattern CP1, and a second opening sensor pattern pair OSP2 and OSP2′disposed adjacent to the opening OP at the left and right sides of theopening OP may be electrically connected by a second connection patternCP2. In addition, a third opening sensor pattern pair OSP3 and OSP3′disposed adjacent to the opening OP at the upper and lower sides of theopening OP may be electrically connected by a third connection patternCP3, and a fourth opening sensor pattern pair OSP4 and OSP4′ disposedadjacent to the opening OP at the upper and lower sides of the openingOP may be electrically connected by a fourth connection pattern CP4.

Each of the first to fourth connection patterns CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4may be formed detouring the opening OP. The first to fourth connectionpatterns CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4 are not in contact with each other. Forexample, the first and second connection patterns CP1 and CP2 and thethird and fourth connection pattern CP3 and CP4 may be formed indifferent layers.

Referring to FIG. 15, a first conductive layer 22, a second conductivelayer 26, and a third conductive layer 29 may be sequentially stacked onan encapsulation layer 16 of a display panel DP.

The first conductive layer 22 may include the first and secondconnection patterns CP1 and CP2. The first conductive layer 22 mayinclude a low-resistance metal. The first conductive layer 22 may beformed or patterned to be spaced apart from a sidewall SW of the openingOP.

A first insulating layer 24 covering the first conductive layer 22 maybe disposed on the encapsulation layer 16.

The second conductive layer 26 may be disposed on the first insulatinglayer 24. The second conductive layer 26 may include sensor patterns SP1and SP2 including the opening sensor patterns OSP1, OSP1′, OSP2, OSP2′,OSP3, OSP3′, OSP4, and OSP4′. The second conductive layer 26 may includea transparent conductive material. The second conductive layer 26 may beformed or patterned to be spaced apart from the sidewall SW of theopening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second conductive layer 26 may beconnected to the first conductive layer 22 through a contact holepenetrating the first insulating layer 24. For example, the firstconnection pattern CP1 may be connected to each of the first openingsensor pattern pair OSP1 and OSP1′ through the contact hole.

A second insulating layer 28 covering the second conductive layer 26 maybe disposed on the first insulating layer 24.

A third conductive layer 29 may be disposed on the second insulating 28.The third conductive layer 29 may include the third and fourthconnection patterns CP3 and CP4. The third conductive layer 29 mayinclude a low-resistance metal. The third conductive layer 29 may beformed or patterned to be spaced apart from the sidewall SW of theopening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, the third conductive layer 29 may beconnected to the second conductive layer 26 through a contact holepenetrating the second insulating layer 28. For example, the thirdconnection pattern CP3 may be connected to each of the third openingsensor pattern pair OSP3 and OSP3′ through the contact hole.

Accordingly, sensor patterns at the left and right sides of the openingOP are electrically connected, and sensor patterns at the upper andlower sides of the opening OP are electrically connected.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating an example of an opening and sensorpatterns around the opening, which are included in a touch sensorconstructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 16, according to an exemplary embodiment, theopening OP may have an area smaller than that of one intersection regionEE.

In the exemplary embodiment, opening sensor patterns OSP3 and OSP3′adjacent to the opening OP among second sensor patterns SP2 may beconnected to each other by bridges C2-1 and C2-2. The bridges C2-1 andC2-2 connected to the opening sensor patterns OSP3 and OSP3′ may beformed detouring the opening OP. Therefore, the bridges C2-1 and C2-2connected to the opening sensor patterns OSP3 and OSP3′ may be formed ina shape different from that of bridges BR connected to other sensorpatterns.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating another example of the opening and thesensor patterns around the opening, which are included in the touchsensor constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 17, a plurality of openings OP1 and OP2 may be formedin a touch active region of the touch sensor.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2may be formed to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermineddistance, corresponding to one first sensor electrode. A first sensorelectrode IE1 may have opening sensor patterns OSP11, OSP12, OSP13, andOSP14 formed by the first and second openings OP1 and OP2.

An opening sensor pattern pair OSP11 and OSP12 corresponding to thefirst opening OP1 may be connected to each other by a first connectionpattern CP11. In addition, an opening sensor pattern pair OSP13 andOSP14 corresponding to the second opening OP2 may be connected to eachother by a second connection pattern CP12. The opening sensor patternpairs OSP11, OSP12, OSP13, and OSP14 and the connection patterns CP11and CP12 may be formed in different layers, and be connected through acontact hole.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating another example of the opening and thesensor patterns around the opening, which are included in the touchsensor constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 18, an opening OP may be disposed avoiding the firstsensor patterns SP1. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the openingOP may be smaller than that of one intersection region EE. The openingOP has no influence on the arrangement and design of the first sensorpatterns SP1.

Parts SP2′ ad SP2″ corresponding to the opening OP among second sensorpatterns SP2 corresponding to the opening OP may be insulated from eachother at both sides of the opening OP. The parts SP2′ ad SP2″corresponding to the opening OP among the second sensor patterns SP2 maybe connected to different routing lines, to perform touch sensing.

In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 16, the parts SP2′ ad SP2″corresponding to the opening OP among the second sensor patterns SP2 maybe electrically connected to each other through a bridge patterndetouring the opening OP.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating still another example of the opening andthe sensor patterns around the opening, which are included in the touchsensor constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 19, an opening OP may have an area smaller than thatof one intersection region EE.

Opening sensor patterns OSP1 and OSP1′ adjacent to the opening OP amongfirst sensor patterns SP1 may be connected to each other by oneconnection pattern CP. The connection pattern CP may be formed to detourthe opening OP. Although a case where two connection patterns CP aredisposed at upper and lower sides of the opening OP is illustrated inFIG. 19, the arrangement, number, and shape of connection patterns CPare not limited thereto. For example, the connection pattern CP may beformed at only one of the upper and lower sides of the opening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, the connection pattern CP may be formed inthe same layer as the first sensor pattern SP1. Also, the connectionpattern CP may include the same material as the first sensor patternSP1. For example, the connection pattern CP and the first sensor patternSP1 may include a transparent electrode material such as ITO.

The connection pattern CP may be formed not to be in contact with anadjacent second sensor pattern SP2. Also, the connection pattern CP maybe formed not to be in contact with other first sensor patterns SP1 thatdo not correspond to the opening OP.

In an exemplary embodiment, opening sensor patterns OSP3 and OSP3′adjacent to the opening OP among the second sensor patterns SP2 may beconnected to each other by bridges C2-1 and C2-2. The bridges C2-1 andC2-2 connected to the opening sensor patterns OSP3 and OSP3′ may beformed to detour the opening OP. The bridges C2-1 and C2-2 may bedisposed in a layer different from that of the first and second sensorpatterns SP1 and SP2. Therefore, the bridges C2-1 and C2-2 are disposedin a layer different from that of the connection pattern, and are not incontact with each other.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an example of a touch sensor according toanother exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 20, a touch active region TA of the touch sensor mayinclude a trench TR or a notch.

In the touch active region TA, first electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-j may bearranged along a second direction DR2, and second electrodes IE2-1 toIE2-k may be arranged along a first direction DR1.

Like the opening OP, some sensor patterns of the first electrode IE1-1may be removed by the trench TR. Portions of the first electrode IE1-1of which connection is cut by the trench TR may be electricallyconnected by a connection pattern CP1.

However, this is merely illustrative, and the shape and position of thetrench TR are not limited thereto. The touch active region TA may havevarious shapes depending on electronic devices applied thereto.

As described above, according to the structure of the touch sensoraccording to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, display devicesand electronic devices having various touch active regions TA can beimplemented. Further, the sensing sensitivity and uniformity of theentire touch active region TA can be improved.

The touch sensor and the display device according to the exemplaryembodiments of the invention include the routing lines (i.e., the thirdand fourth routing lines) respectively disposed at both ends of thesensor electrodes (i.e., the third and fourth sensor electrodes)separated corresponding to the opening, so that an increase in thenumber of lines in the peripheral region can be minimized, and sensingsensitivity and sensing uniformity in the touch active region can beimproved. In addition, the first shielding electrode is additionallyinserted between the second routing lines and the additionally disposedfourth routing lines, so that electrical influence between lines in theperipheral region can be reduced. Thus, touch sensing accuracy can beimproved.

Further, the touch sensor and the display device according to theexemplary embodiments of the invention include the connection patternconnecting between the opening sensor patterns. Thus, touch sensing canbe performed on the entire region in which the sensor electrodes aredisposed without adding any routing line, and a design space of theperipheral region can be sufficiently ensured.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have beendescribed herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparentfrom this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are notlimited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of theappended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalentarrangements as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in theart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A touch sensor having a touch active region and aperipheral region surrounding at least a portion of the touch activeregion, the touch sensor comprising: first sensor electrodes extendingin a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting thefirst direction; second sensor electrodes extending in the seconddirection and arranged in the first direction; an opening in the touchactive region spaced from the first sensor electrodes and the secondsensor electrodes; a third sensor electrode extending in the firstdirection and disposed adjacent to a first side of the opening; a fourthsensor electrode extending in the first direction and disposed adjacentto a second side of the opening; first lines respectively connected toportions of the first sensor electrodes, the first lines disposed in afirst peripheral area of the peripheral region; second linesrespectively connected to portions of the second sensor electrodes, thesecond lines disposed in a second peripheral area of the peripheralregion; a third line connected to a portion of the third sensorelectrode, the third line disposed in the first peripheral area; afourth line connected to a portion of the fourth sensor electrode, thefourth line disposed in the second peripheral area; a first shieldingelectrode disposed in the second peripheral region, the first shieldingelectrode extending between the second lines and the fourth line; afirst electrostatic protection line disposed in the peripheral region ina first open loop shape surrounding the first, second, third and fourthline along a circumference periphery of the touch active region, and asecond electrostatic protection line disposed in the peripheral regionin a second open loop shape smaller than the first open loop shape,wherein the third sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode areelectrically insulated from each other and spaced apart from a wall ofthe opening.
 2. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the portions of thefirst and second sensor electrodes to which the first and second linesare respectively connected comprise distal ends of the first and secondsensor electrodes, respectively.
 3. The touch sensor of claim 1, whereinat least one of the first lines, the second lines, the third lines andthe fourth line comprise routing lines.
 4. The touch sensor of claim 1,wherein the second side is generally opposite to the first side.
 5. Thetouch sensor of claim 1, wherein the first lines and the third lineextend adjacent to each other.
 6. The touch sensor of claim 5, furthercomprising: a second shielding electrode disposed in the peripheralregion extending between the first lines and the touch active region;and a third shielding electrode disposed in the peripheral regionoutside of the first lines and the third lines.
 7. The touch sensor ofclaim 6, further comprising: a fourth shielding electrode extendingbetween the fourth line and the touch active region; and a fifthshielding electrode disposed outside of the second lines.
 8. The touchsensor of claim 1, further comprising: additional lines respectivelyconnected to other portions of the second sensor electrodes, theadditional lines transferring substantially the same driving signal asthe second lines.
 9. The touch sensor of claim 8, further comprising:additional shielding electrodes respectively disposed between theadditional lines and the first lines and between the additional linesand the fourth line.
 10. The touch sensor of claim 8, wherein at leastone sensor electrode of the second sensor electrodes is electricallyseparated into a third part and a fourth parts by the opening, whereinthe third part is disposed adjacent to a third side of the opening, andwherein the fourth part is disposed at adjacent to a fourth side of theopening, the fourth side being generally opposite to the third side. 11.The touch sensor of claim 10, wherein the third part is not connected tothe second lines.
 12. The touch sensor of claim 10, wherein the thirdpart and the fourth part are electrically connected through at least oneconnector disposed around but not into the opening.
 13. The touch sensorof claim 12, wherein the connector and the second sensor electrodes areformed in different layers with an insulating layer interposedtherebetween, wherein the connector is connected to the third and fourthparts via a contact hole formed through the insulating layer, andwherein the connector comprises a low-resistance metal.
 14. The touchsensor of claim 1, wherein the third sensor electrode and the fourthsensor electrode are electrically connected to each other through atleast one connector disposed around but not into the opening.
 15. Thetouch sensor of claim 14, wherein the connector comprises a connectionpattern spaced apart from the opening.
 16. The touch sensor of claim 14,wherein the connector comprises a connection pattern is formed in alayer different from that of the third and fourth sensor electrodes withan insulating layer interposed therebetween, wherein the connectionpattern is connected to the third and fourth sensor electrodes via acontact hole in the insulating layer, and wherein the connection patterncomprises a low-resistance metal.
 17. A display device comprising: adisplay panel including an opening at a portion of a display region; anda touch sensor including a touch active region corresponding to theopening and the display region and a peripheral region surrounding atleast a portion of the touch active region, the touch sensor beingdisposed on the display panel, wherein the touch sensor comprises: firstsensor electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in asecond direction; second sensor electrodes extending in the seconddirection and arranged in the first direction; first routing linesrespectively connected to first portions of the first sensor electrodes,the first routing lines extending to a first peripheral area of theperipheral region adjacent to a first side of the touch active region;second routing lines respectively connected to second portions of thesecond sensor electrodes, the second routing lines extending to a secondperipheral area of the peripheral region adjacent to a second side ofthe touch active region, the second side being a side opposite to thefirst side with respect to the touch active region; additional routinglines respectively connected to other portions of the first sensorelectrodes that are separated by the opening, the additional routinglines extending to the second peripheral area; a shielding electrodeextending to the second peripheral area, the shielding electrode beingdisposed between the second routing lines and the additional routinglines; a first electrostatic protection line disposed in the peripheralregion in a first open loop shape surrounding the first, second, andadditional routing lines along a circumference periphery of the touchactive region, and a second electrostatic protection line disposed inthe peripheral region in a second open loop shape smaller than the firstopen loop shape.
 18. The touch sensor of claim 17, wherein the portionsof the first and second sensor electrodes to which the first and secondrouting lines are respectively connected comprise distal ends of thefirst and second sensor electrodes, respectively.